Weather warning: Damaging winds and storms expected across NSW

IT WAS a sensational sunrise in Sydney this morning but residents are being warned to brace for storms as other areas of the state are preparing to be smashed by damaging winds.

Storm front sweeps over Palm Beach on Friday 18th March. Picture looking from Umina Beach on the Central Coast back towards Sydney. Picture: Toby Zerna

IT WAS a sensational sunrise in Sydney this morning but residents are being warned to brace for storms this afternoon as other areas of the state are preparing to be smashed by damaging winds.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for a large parts of the state including Sydney, Newcastle, Gosford, Wollongong, Nowra, Orange, Goulburn, Tamworth, Moree, Dubbo, Cobar and Bourke.

The Bureau’s warning area for severe storms issued just after 1.30pm. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

The umbrellas are out again as Sydney prepares for a big storm this afternoon. Picture: John Grainger

Winds averaging 60-70km/h are expected with gusts in excess of 90km/h possible, while areas above 1900 metres may experience winds averaging 80 to 90km/h with peak gusts in excess of 110km/h.

The State Emergency Service has called on residents in the danger zone to move vehicles undercover, secure or store loose items around their yards and urged people to stay away from fallen power lines.

While Sydney should miss the brunt of these winds, the Bureau warns thunderstorms, possibly severe, could sweep across the city late this morning or this afternoon.

Sydney was treated to a spectacular sunrise this morning but the sun will soon disappear. Picture: Ross Schultz

Storms are expected to sweep across the city this afternoon. Picture: Ross Schultz

The temperature is expected to peak at 30 in the city and 32 in the west, with a 70% chance of rain.

South-westerly winds this afternoon will see the temperature drop and the weekend will see milder temperatures with a top of 23 expected in the city on Saturday and Sunday.

The Bureau says there could be some rain tomorrow but mainly on the coastal fringes with little falling elsewhere.